“Sterling has invested in several fiber businesses, including Fiber Industries and Propex Inc. We are excited to find this opportunity where we feel we can add value post closing,” said Billy Oehmig, a Partner with Sterling. “UFS is a good fit for us and we look forward to working with an outstanding management team and the excellent board of industry experts whom we have assembled.”

About The Sterling Group, L.P.
Founded in 1982, The Sterling Group, L.P. (www.sterling-group.com) is a private equity investment firm that targets controlling interests in basic manufacturing, industrial services and distribution companies. Typical enterprise values of these companies range from $100 million to $500 million. Sterling has sponsored the buyout of over 30 portfolio companies and numerous add-on acquisitions for a total transaction value greater than $8 billion. Currently, Sterling has $600 million of committed capital under management through two funds, including Sterling Group Partners II, L.P. Current portfolio companies include North American Energy Partners Inc. (NYSE: NOA), Propex Inc., Panolam Industries International, Inc., CST Industries, Inc., Roofing Supply Group, LLC, BTEC Turbines LP, and Hudson Products Corporation.